Mike Ashley held back the funds from Benitez last winter and it is understood that he could do so again, meaning the club have had to look they have to look for players in nearby European countries.

Newcastle have had scouts on missions to find players in Belgium, Holland and France recently and it is believed those countries could be revisited in January as the Magpies still want to add another striker, a left-back and a winger that has pace.

The Verdict:

It appears to be a case of the same old story when it comes to Newcastle and their financial ability.

Ashley is thought to be willing to sell the club and it remains to be seen if he does invest any money into the team to ensure they keep their Premier League status for another year.

The Magpies managed to add three loan signings in a frustrating window last winter, and despite spending in the summer, they are still some way off the pace in the Premier League and will need to bring in a couple more bodies to the club in order to compete.